Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Compton, CA: $61.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Compton, CA runs $61.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,663 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Compton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,204 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Compton, California, dental hygienists enjoy a competitive hourly wage, with the median rate projected at $61.86 for 2026. This figure significantly surpasses the national hourly median of $49.49, highlighting the advantageous pay landscape in the area. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this rate can lead to substantial income over the course of the year, especially when working in diverse settings like general dentistry operatories or pediatric specialty offices. The hourly range for dental hygienists varies, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $44.95 per hour and seasoned professionals earning up to $77.10 per hour, illustrating a healthy pay spectrum that reflects experience and specialization. These estimates derive from annual salary data, offering a glimpse into the potential earning power for both full-time and per-diem dental hygienists in Compton.
About the Compton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,567) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.95 | $359.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.29 | $434.28 |
| Median (P50) | $61.86 | $494.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.39 | $539.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.10 | $616.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Compton
Based on $61.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.86/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Compton, CA can expect to earn approximately $128,673 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,235. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Compton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Compton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,474.49 | $10,723 | $128,673 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,484.69 | $6,434 | $77,204 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $989.79 | $4,289 | $51,469 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Compton) | $61.86 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Dental Hygienists in Compton, CA earn a median of $128,663 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.98% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.00% below the California state average of $129,962.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.86/hr = $77,204/year (purchasing power: $68,262).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,673/year (purchasing power: $113,769).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$52.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.86/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+23.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Compton (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $52.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Compton grew 12.5% from $52.39/hr (2020) to $58.95/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.92/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Compton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Hygienist in Compton
On the other hand, considering a part-time or per-diem schedule can yield varying annual earnings for dental hygienists. For a hygienist working 24 hours a week, the take-home pay can differ significantly from a full-time counterpart. Many dental practices offer per diem dental hygienist pay in Compton, typically ranging from $40 to $60 per hour, though some may push higher rates amidst the urban cost of living. In comparison, dental hygienists employed by larger organizations, like Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) or public health clinics, might see different compensation structures. While group practices may offer more stability and benefits like health insurance, solo practices might provide higher hourly rates without additional perks. Negotiating pay is essential; highlighting experience and flexibility can leverage better compensation in Compton’s robust market, where demand aligns with the evolving healthcare landscape. The current trends show a growth rate of 4.94%, suggesting that opportunities for advancement and better pay will likely continue to rise in this profession.
More salary data for Compton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Compton in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Compton?
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How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Compton?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Compton?
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental hygienists in Compton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Compton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov